McHale, John J. Sr.
On April 7, 2011 John Joseph McHale Sr. passed away at age 82. Born in Mayo County, Ireland, John came to the U.S. in 1949. He worked at the Fisher Body Chevrolet Plant, and then in 1956 joined the Baltimore City Police Force, where he received many commendations. After retiring from the Police department in 1981, he joined the Maryland Historical Society where he served as Security Chief for 20 years. A devout Catholic, John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and as a good Irish dancer, he was also a charter member of the Emerald Isle Club. He enjoyed Irish music with a cup of tea, gardening, and large family gatherings.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Dorothy Kitchner McHale. He is the loving father of Dolly Seward, John Jr. , Rosemarie Schulze, Stephen McHale and the late Mary Kathleen McHale and dear father in law of Dan, Ric and Lisa. John was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 6 greatgrandchildren, and was brother of William and Michael McHale, Bridget Proctor and Mary McCusker.
Visiting at Gonce Funeral Service P.A. , 4001 Ritchie Hwy. on Sunday 2 to 5 pm. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rose of Lima Church on Monday at 10 am. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute to Beans and Bread 402 South Bond St. Baltimore, Md. 21231.

John McHale was a hard-working Irish man who came to America
with a dream of building a happy life here. When he had surgery
in 1999, he told us God had blessed him with everything he wanted,
and we were not to grieve if things didn''t work out. The Lord gave
him another decade and he knew each year was a gift. We now have
turned him back over to the Lord. Dad, we love you and miss you
already.

William and Mary McHale

Posted Sat April 09, 2011

Dorothy and family, our sincerest sympathy on John''s passing. We will miss him greatly, we believe he is in a better place.
Bill and Mary

Dolly Seward

Posted Sat April 09, 2011

Dad,
I miss you so badly already. You were always the best listener and loved to tell stories and jokes. We laughed until we cried over the silliest things. I am so happy you are healthy and whole at last, and in Heaven. We will spend eternity together. I will think of you always and tell your grandchildren how very special you were and we will all be together again.

Catherine,Conal, Cian and Niamh Gillespie

Posted Sun April 10, 2011

To Dorothy and family,
We were so sorry to hear about John''''s passing.Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Catherine,Conal, Cian and Niamh Gillespie

Posted Sun April 10, 2011

To Dorothy and family,
We were so sorry to hear about John''''''''s passing.Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Eileen and John Flynn

Posted Sun April 10, 2011

To Dorothy and family,
Our deepest sympathies on John''s passing. You are in our prayers.
Eileen and John Flynn

With all the sincerity a meagre electronic mail can muster: so grateful for memories of Uncle John, memories that will be shared generously, be assured. Our deepest and sincere expressions of sadness for you Aunt Dor; your family and all the many family and friends there and abroad at this time.
Ray, Ann, Gordon-Eric, Brianna-Mary, McHale

Steve and Lisa McHale

Posted Sun April 10, 2011

We would like to thank everyone for all their support in our time of need. We will greatly miss him. He was a big part of our lives. May God bless you all. Love
Steve and Lisa

Bridget Proctor

Posted Mon April 11, 2011

Deepest sympathies at this very sad time. Are thoughts are with you.
Love Bridget, Eric and all the Proctor family.

Cousin Cass Kenney

Posted Tue April 12, 2011

Dear Dorothy and family, My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Glad John is at Peace with God after such a worth-while life, years of hard work and raising such a good Irish family. He was so special to my late parents and I remember him fondly as well. Thinking of you. Love, Cass Kenney

Debbie Kitchner

Posted Tue April 12, 2011

Everyone has an uncle or aunt that they remember simply because they were so kind. John is that uncle. In all the years that I''ve known him, there was never a time when someone came to him for help, that he didn''t respond. He was a simple, content man who loved his family and they loved him back. In an age where many believe that their success in life is measured by "social status", income, possessions, investments, etc. - John got it right. His family, both immediate and extended, his neighbors, his friends, his garden, his church were his success. How many lives would be different today had it not been for him and Dorothy both. It was a privilege to have known him. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Love, Debbie Kitchner

Bernadette McTigue (Dick''s daughter)

Posted Fri April 15, 2011

So sorry for your loss. Words seem so inadequate.There will be a good Irish celebration in heaven with his brothers. Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.

Alicia Kaniewski Burleson

Posted Sat May 28, 2011

The Kaniewski family send our condolences to the family of our dear neighbor and friend, John McHale. Mr. John was a Christian, dedicated fathe, and worked hard raising his children. We have fond memories of Mr. John that will never fade. He will be deeply missed.